Flights to Victoria, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$9,978

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Victoria could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Victoria quick and painless. Here are some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.